Physalis plant named ‘King’

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of  Physalis  plant named ‘King’. The new variety is primarily characterized by an upright, moderate growth habit and bright orange husks, is disclosed.

Genus and species: Physalis alkekengi.

Variety denomination: ‘King’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct Physalis variety designated ‘King’ and botanically known as Physalis alkekengi. This new Physalis variety was discovered in Toggraben, Germany in June 2006 and originated from an open pollination between the proprietary female parent ‘04-98’ (unpatented) and un-named Physalis plants. The original seedling of the new variety was first asexually propagated in Boijl and Aalsmeer, The Netherlands in 2008.

‘King’ was subsequently asexually propagated and underwent further testing in Boijl and Aalsmeer, The Netherlands for two years. The present invention has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations via stolons and tissue culture.

Plant Breeder's Rights for this variety have not been applied for. ‘King’ has not been made publicly available or sold more than one year prior to the filing date of this application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photograph shows the overall plant habit of a 6-month old plant. The colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘King’. The data which define these characteristics is based on observations taken in Boijl and Aalsmeer, The Netherlands in September 2010. This description is in accordance with UPOV terminology. Color designations, color descriptions, and other phenotypical descriptions may deviate from the stated values and descriptions depending upon variation in environmental, seasonal, climatic, and cultural conditions. ‘King’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The botanical description of ‘King’ was taken from 6 month old plants. Color terminology follows The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, London (R.H.S.) (2001).

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

-   Classification:     -   -   Species.—Physalis alkekengi.         -   Common name.—Physalis.         -   Denomination.—‘King’. -   Plant:     -   -   Height (cm).—20.0 cm.         -   Diameter (cm).—30.0.         -   Habit and shape.—Narrow/bushy and hanging.         -   Vigor.—Moderate. -   Shoot:     -   -   Attitude of one year old shoot.—20.0 cm.         -   Curvature of one year old shoot.—Bended.         -   Number of basal shoots per plant.—3 to 4.         -   Prickles.—Absent.         -   Color.—RHS 137A and RHS 187A. -   Leaves:     -   -   Length, mature (cm).—6.0 cm.         -   Width, mature (cm).—3.0 cm.         -   Apex.—Acute.         -   Base.—Obtuse.         -   Margin.—Entire.         -   Shape.—Deltoid.         -   Color, both immature and mature.—Upper surface: RHS 135A.             Lower surface: RHS 138B.         -   Texture.—Smooth.         -   Anthocyanin.—Absent.         -   Angle of base of blade with petiole.—Right angle.         -   Glossiness of both leaf surfaces.—Weak.         -   Petiole.—Length (cm): 2.0 cm. Diameter (cm): 2.0 mm.             Pubescence: absent. Color: RHS 137A and RHS 187A. -   Flower:     -   -   Predominant number of flowers per plant.—Greater than 50.         -   Time of flowering (from first to last flower).—July.         -   Sepal.—Shape: Aristate. Apex: Acute. Base: Fused. Margin:             fused. Length: 7.0 cm. Width: 3.0 cm. Number of sepals per             flower: 5. Color (both upper and lower surfaces): RHS 33A.             Anthocyanin coloration: Absent. Texture: Smooth. -   Fruit:     -   -   Length.—1.0 cm.         -   Width.—0.8 cm.         -   Weight, per individual fruit.—10g.         -   Relative fruit size.—Small.         -   Predominant fruit shape.—Oval/rounded.         -   Color.—RHS 34A.         -   Evenness of fruit color.—Even.         -   Pubescence.—Absent.         -   Veining.—Strong.         -   Fruit glossiness.—High.         -   Firmness of flesh.—Firm.         -   Color of flesh.—RHS 34A.         -   Evenness of flesh color.—Even.         -   Peduncle.—Length (cm): 3.0 cm. Diameter (cm): 1.0 mm. Color:             RHS 137A and RHS 187A. Pubescence: Absent. -   Disease and insect resistance: No particular resistance observed.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL AND COMMERCIAL VARIETIES

A comparison between ‘King’ cannot be made with the proprietary female parent ‘04-98’ (unpatented) because plants of ‘04-98’ are no longer available. 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Physalis plant as described and shown herein. 